Chapter 87: Drawing the Serpent Out of Its Hole
“Please, would you kindly refrain from toying with my followers, esteemed Lord of Nightmares?” Abyss’s voice was cold, his gaze fixed on the figure that resembled Flora. “Or do you prefer I address you by your true name, Lord Schlezhech?”
He had used magic to pronounce the Outer God’s name, his voice mimicking the complex sounds, the clicks and trills that were beyond the capacity of human vocal cords.
“You are incredibly audacious, more audacious than the masters of the most delectable fears I have ever consumed. And… you are the most insolent mortal I have ever encountered,” the Lord of Nightmares’ voice echoed from all directions, no longer playful, but laced with anger, his tone dark and menacing. “You used your pathetic little tricks to eliminate Givia’s sleep, didn’t you? Do you realize you’re provoking me? Defying a god’s will is a suicidal act, and now you dare to taunt me?”
As he spoke, the forms of Abyss’s three followers dissolved, fading into the darkness. The moon and stars in the sky, even the flickering flames of the braziers within the palace, vanished, plunging the world into an oppressive darkness, a suffocating void. An immense pressure bore down on Abyss’s soul, a force that could crush the minds of ordinary mortals. But Abyss remained unfazed, his gaze steady, his expression impassive.
“And you used the same trick to eliminate your own sleep. I’ve been waiting for you to visit me, but you simply refused to sleep. I was almost tempted to use more… forceful methods to compel you to meet with me,” the Lord of Nightmares continued, his voice now circling Abyss, as if he were pacing around him. “You foolish mortal, you think sleep is the only way I can inflict nightmares upon you?”
“I apologize, Lord Schlezhech, if I have offended you. Please accept my sincerest apologies,” Abyss said, bowing slightly. “But I assure you, although I’ve been trying to provoke you, I’ve never underestimated your power.”
“Hehe… You’re testing me?” the Lord of Nightmares chuckled, his voice laced with a chilling amusement. “Testing my power, and daring to trespass on my domain? Do you know why you’re experiencing nightmares without sleeping? Because you’re currently within my Divine Realm. My power can directly influence you here. You might be strong, but you’re still mortal. Before my absolute power, you’re no different from an insect!”
“So your method is to expand your Divine Realm, to directly influence me?” Abyss asked, his voice calm and curious, not intimidated by the Outer God’s threats. “So, if I had continued avoiding you, I would have eventually fallen victim to your influence?”
“You finally understand your predicament? Yes, if you had continued running and hiding like a coward, I would have found you eventually,” the Lord of Nightmares said, his voice filled with a smug satisfaction. “I would have plunged you into an eternal slumber, tormenting you within your dreams. You know, that Givia you’re so determined to protect is in grave danger. My plan for her is already in motion. No matter how much you try to protect her, you can’t prevent her from falling asleep and waking up insane.”
“That sounds rather ominous,” Abyss said, shrugging. “But can you overcome the local deities of Hai-Teweru? What if I used Divine Arts to protect her?”
“Divine Arts are merely fragments of divine power bestowed upon you by your Nine Gods. If they intervened directly, they would have a significant advantage, and I might not be able to prevail—but they can’t interfere. The Creator God’s command is absolute. They cannot meddle in mortal affairs. We, the free gods, are not bound by such restrictions,” the Lord of Nightmares said, his voice filled with confidence, undeterred by Abyss’s suggestion. “Givia’s doom is inevitable. You can’t change that…”
“If it were that easy, she would have already succumbed to madness,” Abyss said, his eyes narrowing. “There must be a reason why you can’t directly influence her within her own territory. Would you mind telling me?”
“Hmph,” the Lord of Nightmares scoffed, refusing to answer. “My true form hasn’t fully descended upon this world yet. I’m still bound by your world’s rules. Although your local deities haven’t intervened directly, their power still restricts me. However… these limitations will eventually become my greatest advantage.”
“It seems you’re confident in your ability to fully manifest in this world,” Abyss said, nodding. “I won’t bother asking for more information. You’re clearly unwilling to share. I should return now. May I leave?”
“Leave? Hahahaha!” the Lord of Nightmares roared with laughter. “I won’t let you leave. You came to me, and you think I’ll let you escape so easily? Although you fear nothing, I’ve found something you might be afraid of. In your next dream, I want you to savor the taste of fear. Abyss Belator, when you awaken, you will be driven mad, running through the streets under the rising sun, until my loyal servant, Kevin, puts an end to your miserable existence!”
“I apologize, Lord of Nightmares, but even if you wish to keep me as your guest, I must take my leave,” Abyss said, grinning. He hadn’t expected the Outer God to release him so easily, but he had a backup plan…
Suddenly, he felt a tug on his consciousness, a jolt that brought him back to reality.
He opened his eyes, seeing the moon and stars in the sky, and Flora’s concerned face, her hand outstretched towards him, a faint glow still emanating from her palm. The sweet, floral scent of her presence filled the air. He felt the soft, comforting pressure of her thigh beneath his head.
“Abyss, you’re awake!” Flora exclaimed, her face breaking into a smile. “You were right. The Lord of Nightmares attacked. I used Divine Arts to awaken you, just as you instructed!”
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